The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving cultural heritage through the EU Global Diaspora Facility (EUDiF) Capacity Development Lab and the validation of the Heritage Conservation Management Framework in Ikorodu.
Eko Hot News reports that the two-day programme, held on December 5 and 6, 2025, was organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in collaboration with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM).
The event featured a high-level stakeholders’ roundtable at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, and the Ikorodu Heritage Festival at the palace of the Oba of Ikorodu.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Adebopo Oyekan-Ismaila, said Lagos remains committed to safeguarding its cultural assets and positioning heritage tourism as a driver of sustainable economic growth.
She stressed the importance of partnerships with federal agencies, international organisations, consultants, and the diaspora, noting that collaboration has been key to advancing the heritage conservation project.
The Permanent Secretary commended implementing partners and paid tribute to IGA Nigeria Limited, led by Mr M.O. Ajala, for its technical expertise, strong community engagement, and sustained commitment to the initiative.
She also highlighted Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s support for tourism, arts, and culture, describing the project as timely and strategic for protecting indigenous heritage assets.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr Ore Finnih, emphasised the need for clear governance structures and announced plans to establish a Technical Committee to drive implementation of resolutions from the roundtable.
Representing the Director-General of NCMM, the Director of Heritage Services, Mr Abubakar Usman, assured stakeholders of full technical support in documenting Ikorodu’s heritage assets for submission to UNESCO.
He said the process would begin with inclusion on the UNESCO Tentative List, with sustained professional collaboration throughout the enlistment stages.
The Chief Executive Officer of IGA Nigeria Limited, Mr M.O. Ajala, said the project began in 2020 following extensive community-based research that revealed the richness of Ikorodu’s heritage.
He thanked the Lagos State Government, traditional institutions, and community custodians, noting that the people of Ikorodu remain the primary beneficiaries and guardians of the project.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr Oleg Chirita of ICMPD commended the African diaspora for its global role in heritage preservation and reaffirmed EUDiF’s technical support.
He expressed optimism that the project would attract further support from the European Union, Germany, and UNESCO.
Also speaking, the Senior Project Manager of the EU Global Diaspora Facility, Mrs Diana Hincu, praised the level of collaboration, innovation, and community ownership observed during the programme.
